Join us to hear from Israeli activists engaged in "protective presence" who are putting their bodies on the line to help protect Palestinian communities in the West Bank facing settler violence. We will hear their stories and testimonies and highlight the crucial role they play in responding to violence on the ground.​

Come and learn about their vital work, and find out how you can be part of the effort to protect Palestinian communities, hold settlers accountable, and promote a future in Israel and Palestine in which everyone can live with safety and dignity.​​

Roei Kleitman is an educator, historian, and activist dedicated to fostering a courageous religious-humanistic discourse in Israel. He is the founder of HaMidrasha HaEmunit, a community program that empowers young adults to bridge their faith with political responsibility. A graduate of Otniel Yeshiva with an MA in History, Roei is a leading voice in HaSmol HaEmuni (The Faithful Left) and the Bnei Avraham group. In this capacity, he leads protective presence initiatives, providing on-the-ground solidarity and human rights defense for vulnerable communities. Based in Jerusalem, Roei combines his research in urban geography with digital storytelling to advocate for a more just and inclusive Israeli society.

Maya Mark leads the New Israel Fund's support and protection program for activists in the West Bank, where she works to strengthen the safety and resilience of those providing a protective presence. Based in Haifa, Maya brings years of direct field experience accompanying Palestinian communities under threat. As a linguist and educator, she co-founded a specialized Arabic language program for Israeli activists based in Masafer Yatta which has trained over 60 graduates to communicate effectively and build deeper relationships with local residents. By combining pedagogical expertise with grassroots activism, Maya has created a vital entry point for long-term, sustainable human rights work.

Or Sivan is a Tel Aviv-based activist and educator who has dedicated herself to protective presence work in the Jordan Valley and the Jerusalem area since October 7th. A Mizrahi woman whose father immigrated from Morocco, Or draws a direct line between the historical systemic racism faced by Arab Jews and the current realities of Palestinians in the West Bank. With a background in education and dance from Kibbutzim College, she utilizes her position to stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities in Areas B and C, viewing her presence as a refusal to accept a status quo of fear and separation. By crossing physical and social divides, Or works to build bridges of friendship and prove that partners for peace exist, urging Israelis to use their privilege to defend human rights and foster a shared future.

Thank you to Kane Street Synagogue for hosting and cosponsoring this event alongside: The New Israel Fund, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, Congregation Beth Elohim, Lab/Shul, New Jewish Narrative, Park Slope Jewish Center, Partners for Progressive Israel, The Institute for Living Judaism in Brooklyn, The New Shul, Smol Emuni US, and T'ruah.

Please note, guest speakers and participating organizations speak for themselves, and their views do not necessarily reflect the views of Kane Street Synagogue as an institution or the many individual voices within our community. Kane Street welcomes a range of perspectives as part of their commitment to open inquiry, learning and meaningful community dialogue.

To learn more and to register, click here.